You ask how, if souls continue to exist, the atmosphere has room for them from time eternal. But how does the ground have room for the bodies of those who for so long an age are buried in it? The answer is that, as on earth change and dissolution after a continuance for so long make room for other dead bodies, so in the atmosphere souls pass on and continue for so long, and then change and are poured out and are kindled being assumed into the generative principle of Universal Nature, and so provide room for those which succeed to their place. This would be the answer presuming that souls do continue. But we must consider not only the multitude of bodies that are thus buried, but also the number of animals eaten every day by ourselves and the rest of the animal creation. How large a number are devoured and in a manner of speaking buried in the bodies of those who feed upon them; and yet there is room to contain them because they are turned into blood, because they are changed into forms of air and heat. How shall we investigate the truth of this? By a distinction into the material and the causal. Meditations 4.21

To the Stoics, the cosmos is a single pantheistic god, one which is rational and creative, and which is the basis of everything which exists. The world is one, and must arise from one principle. The active substance of the world is characterized as a ‘breath’, or pneuma. Meditations 4.21 asks if the atmosphere has room for them from time eternal . Where is our place in the universe especially with the immortal soul?

Traditional Religion

Centuries ago, people believed that the sun, the stars, and the planets was orbiting around us and that the earth was the center of the universe. The discoveries of great astronomers and physicians and the evolution of the sciences has revealed to us that such is not the case; a fact that is common sense in the modern society. However, the spiritual tradition of the West; that is Christianity, has not been able to keep up with the rapid progress of the scientific discoveries and the transformation of the world views of the modern man.

The Christian thinking of today is still not far from the centuries old idea that universe revolves around us humans. Christianity is losing more popularity than ever and is no longer able resonate with the spiritual needs of the modern man. Needless to say, people have come to start questioning the Judeo-Christian idea that man was created in the image of God. And rightfully so.

How We Fit

With the information flow of today we are no longer limited to build our world views from merely our own experiences and near surroundings, we are well aware of the fact that we are coexisting with billions of different creatures and organisms all around the globe, that we are affected by each other and that together we are creating an ecosystem that is functioning in the circles of life.

In the light of this, it can indeed be a challenge to conceive that man, a creature far more devastating and destructive than any other creature known to have resided on earth could be the representation of what is holy in this universe. We can observe how the constant expansion of the human civilization is continuously violating itself on nature for its own sake; cutting down forests, polluting the air and poisoning the waters.

An endless amount of wicked deeds and crimes are committed on continuous basis by this image of God; acts that are unheard of in the animal kingdom. One might quickly assume that humanity is in its essence a destructive force working against the otherwise harmonious laws of nature. However, the experience that numerous of people report having when spending time in nature speaks otherwise. Indeed, first we must remember that the spiritual needs of man are none the less simply because the spiritual traditions of our society are outdated.

On the contrary, the thirst for spirituality is greater than ever before as society has failed to fulfil our needs. If it cannot be found in the religious traditions of our culture, nor in the materialistic approach of society, people have no choice but to seek elsewhere. For a vast number of people, it is out in nature where they have been able to reestablished a sense of spiritual connection, and sitting on a mountaintop with the view of vast landscapes, watching insects and animals of wide variety, plants, and trees of all kinds; that all have its own purpose, it is difficult but to see that this universe is in fact a beautiful interconnection of everything inside it that supports its own existence.

Discovering Our Meaning

The overwhelming serenity that one might feel in such circumstances will make one ask the question whether God is not in the image of us humans, but in the world around us and the entire universe. As people develop these insights there is one natural result that follows; which is tolerance. If by repeated experience of serenity in abovementioned circumstances and one develop an inner feeling of conviction that we are indeed an interconnected existence and gradually start to view God in all that is around and within, how can it be possible for us to be judgmental towards our surrounding; to cause harm and to be cruel?

If we carry a deep understanding that all is one, we would care of everything as we care about ourselves: the true meaning of the golden rule! It is moral laws that is not brought to us from reading old scriptures of ancient cultures but from the very spiritual connection of our beings. What can be more convincing? It creates a profound sense of purpose: fulfilling and including. Every being on earth is our siblings, the stars, the planet, and the rest of the universe!

With the connection to the whole universe, it may guide us through our lives, to live in harmony and to make rightful decisions that will not only benefit our own needs but that of all existence. As we care for our surrounding, we are simultaneously caring for ourselves and vice versa: as we harm our surrounding, we are simultaneously harming ourselves.

So you in your province are really of importance, though you scorn yourself. Men are asking what you do, how you dine, and how you sleep, and they find out, too; hence there is all the more reason for your living circumspectly. Do not, however, deem yourself truly happy until you find that you can live before men’s eyes, until your walls protect but do not hide you; although we are apt to believe that these walls surround us, not to enable us to live more safely, but that we may sin more secretly. I shall mention a fact by which you may weigh the worth of a man’s character: you will scarcely find anyone who can live with his door wide open. It is our conscience, not our pride, that has put doorkeepers at our doors; we live in such a fashion that being suddenly disclosed to view is equivalent to being caught in the act. What profits it, however, to hide ourselves away, and to avoid the eyes and ears of men? A good conscience welcomes the crowd, but a bad conscience, even in solitude, is disturbed and troubled. If your deeds are honourable, let everybody know them; if base, what matters it that no one knows them, as long as you yourself know them? How wretched you are if you despise such a witness! Seneca Moral Letters 43.3-5

“Recognition” – this is a word we all love. Whether it is recognition for our excellence at the workplace or standing first in a tournament. There is a deep longing for recognition in each and every human being. In fact, if we observe closely, a lot of our actions are just an effort to get recognition. Recognition is one of the major appraisal policies in corporate culture. And surprisingly, it has shown even more positive results than a cash bonus.

But, there is nothing wrong with longing for recognition. We do what we can, and expect appraisal in return, that’s fair. But the problem arises when recognition rises above a temporary feeling of happiness. When recognition gets to our heads, our focus starts shifting from the work we do, to the result we expect that will get us more and more recognition. In fact, a point may come when most of our actions are just oriented towards getting more and more recognition.

And if such a situation comes, our growth as a person stops. We keep rounding about the vicious circle of desire and neglect the work that needs to be done. So, while it is good to receive recognition, it’s also our responsibility that it doesn’t get to our head. But how can we do that? Is there really something we can do about this? There is, and it is through Stoic Mindfulness. .

What Is Stoic Mindfulness?

See that thou secure this present time to thyself: for those who rather pursue posthumous fame do not consider that the men of after time will be exactly such as these whom they cannot bear now; and both are mortal. And what is it in any way to thee if these men of after time utter this or that sound, or have this or that opinion about thee? Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 8.44

Mindfulness is one of the most misinterpreted words one can mind. There has been a lot of business going on in the name of mindfulness. So, first, let’s understand the correct meaning of Mindfulness. Mindfulness is a state when we are fully aware of our thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. Sounds confusing? Don’t worry, let’s understand it this way.

If we observe closely, we are unconscious for most parts of the day. Most of our bodily and mental activities are performed unconsciously. Have you ever noticed that while walking home, you really need not pay any attention. It’s as if your legs are walking on their own. In the same way, most of our activities are done by the body itself, without the need for any intervention of our own.

The same is true with thoughts and emotions as well. We are not aware of them at all. Suppose a thought occurred, now you will find yourself taking a ride along that thought. You would completely forget your surroundings and hop from one thought to another. That’s what we know as “lost in thoughts“. However, if that’s how our mental activities are conducted, it has the potential to cause great damages to us.

So, with Stoicism we can develop a process through which we can be completely aware of our inner and outer realities. It does take discipline. We ust need to observe our thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations and movements, without any judgment. We need not label any thoughts or emotions as good/bad, positive/negative. Neither we need to interrupt or change anything. We just need to observe, without any prejudice or involvement.

So, what will happen if we do this? For the first time in life, we will notice that we are not our body, mind, or emotions, we are separate. So, a little space would be created between the ‘me’ and ‘mine’. So, even if a negative thought occurs, we would not be affected, because we would know that we are not the thought, we are the observer. But remember, don’t try to alter the thought, otherwise we will again get trapped in the same cycle. Mindfulness is the journey towards the center from the periphery, where everything is calm, without any disturbance from outside.

How can we use mindfulness on receiving recognition?

Before understanding this, first, we have to understand whether recognition itself is good for us or not. Recognition is a major driving factor for our activities. So, yes it is needed for sure. But as we said earlier, what will happen if we start doing our work just for the sake of receiving recognition? Then things can turn complex. All our attention will be diverted towards the result rather than the work that we need to put into this.

There’s a beautiful anecdote. Once a person asked a wise man, that is why focusing on the destination, only makes the journey longer? The wise man replied, “with one eye focused on the destination, we have only one eye left to focus on the journey.”

So, it’s good to receive recognition when we actually deserve it. But if we start getting false recognition, it will only do the work of feeding our ego. And it is not at all good for our growth as a person. So, it’s good to apply Mindfulness when receiving recognition. So, while you will be glad to be recognized, you will also stick your feet to the ground.

Mindfulness is something we should practice the whole day. It has the power to bring tremendous changes in our lives. It is not something that we especially need to apply when we receive recognition. Rather, we need to make it a part of our daily life. So, its effect will reflect automatically on every aspect of our lives, including recognition.

So, here’s a simple practice to start with. When you are walking, just watch how your legs are walking, become an observer. When taking a bath, just feel the water touching your skin and flowing down through it. When eating, Become completely immersed in the food. Take it, feel it, and try to feel its complete taste. By and by, you will feel a sense of joy arising in your being, without the need of any outside influence. That’s what Mindfulness can do to us.

Effect of Mindfulness on imposter syndrome

Imposter syndrome is the syndrome in which we are filled with self-doubt regarding our success. We feel that we have not achieved success through our efforts, and hence we do not deserve success and recognition. Mindfulness can help in this situation too.

Imposter syndrome is an ’emptiness’ within us. Mindfulness has the potential to fill that gap. Through mindfulness, we will become aware of our activities. Hence, we would know whether we have done what was required or not. Whether our success is by luck or a product of our hard work. We will learn to embrace our work and will start linking the results to the work we have done. In this way, Mindfulness could prove beneficial in imposter syndrome as well.

Things to keep in mind while practicing Mindfulness

The reason why most people find mindfulness frustrating is that they try too hard to it. Essentially, it’s an effortless process. For example, we do not require any effort to hear, to see, to feel, it’s just effortless. The same is true with Mindfulness, it should become the very part of our being. But, it’s not possible at the beginning. So, we should try to keep the effort at the minimum. It should not in any way clash with the activity we are doing. Mindfulness shouldn’t become an activity itself. If you also feel frustrated, know that you are trying to do it too hard.

And the second thing that needs to be understood we have lived in unawareness our whole life. So, don’t expect to remain Mindful throughout the day. You will keep forgetting, it is natural. Don’t become angry about the fact that you forgot. Instead, whenever you remember, become Mindful again. That’s the most simple way to do it.

So, by now, your basics on Mindfulness must be clear. Don’t wait for tomorrow, it never arrives. Start today itself. It will surely help you deal with recognition in a very positive way. But, that is just a small benefit of Mindfulness. It has the power to transform our lives. Just persistence is needed. If we ascend the heights of Mindfulness, all miseries will end, a sense of joy will arise. Life will become a song, a dance, a celebration of the divine.

One of the aspects of Stoicism is the belief that people are meant to work together. People are prone to develop community for mutual support. In other words people are of one universal mind to make collective progress.

The sun appears to be poured down and indeed is poured in every direction but not poured out. For this pouring is extension, and so its beams are called rays from their being extended. Now you may see what kind of thing a ray is by observing the sun’s light streaming through a chink into a darkened room. For it is stretched in a straight line, and rests so to speak upon any solid body that meets it and cuts off the flow of air beyond. It rests there and does not glide off or fall. The pouring and diffusion of the understanding then should be similar, in no way a pouring out, but an extension, and it should not rest forcibly or violently on obstacles that meet it nor yet fall down, but stand still and illuminate the object that receives it; for that which does not reflect it will rob itself of the light. Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 8.57.

One example in the ancient world could be the distribution of grain to the populace of the Roman Empire. This is also referred to as the Cura Annonae. It may seem like a romanticized effort of goodwill for the masses. But there was a practical and political aspect as well.

It’s the rule of nature that an increase in population leads to a rise in demand for foodstuffs. In the most historical periods in the city of Rome i.e., the Roman Republic and the Empire, the city’s population increased drastically to around one million people in the 2^nd century AD. Population growth pushed the rural production to the limit, and they were no longer able to meet the demand for food in the city.

To protect its citizens from starvation, the Roman government intervened to distribute free and subsidized food to its population. The government’s mission to protect its population from starvation was described by the term Cura Annonae an Italian word that translates to “care for grains” in English. The term Cura Annonae had a religious attachment coined and developed in honor of a Roman god Annona. Through regular and predictable grain supply, the Roman leadership maintained tranquility to its restive urban population.

The common form of grain was the durum wheat, which was mainly shipped from the islands of Sardinia and Sicily, Egypt, and countries in North Africa such as Morocco, Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria. With the inclusion of Egypt into the Roman Empire under the rule of Emperor Augustus (27BCE-14CE), Egypt became the main supply of grains to Rome.

The grains were then moved by sea across the Mediterranean Sea, which needed careful and well-laid logistics. The shipment process required hundreds of ships, some huge and extensive for collecting many sacks of grains and distributing them inside Rome. On arrival to Rome, the grains were ground and made into bread, which by then was the most crucial element in the Roman diet. Rome highly depended on the swift arrival of the imported grains, and for that reason, whoever led the supply of grains from Egypt, North Africa, and islands of Sardinia and Sicily had a considerable amount of control over the city of Rome.

A large fleet of Seaworth ships was required to deliver grains from the nearby Sardinia and Sicily islands, more distanced North Africa, and much further Egypt. The distance between the endpoint (Rome) and the three sources is considerably big, which made it cheaper to transport grains from one end of the Mediterranean to the other by ship rather than transport it by land.

To protect the grain ships from piracy, they were escorted by the Roman navy who, besides performing anti-piracy duties, stole considerable portions of the grain imports. Hundreds and in some instances, thousands of ships were required to transport the grains to Rome. The Roman government encouraged the building of large ships for the grain transport where some of the ships could carry up to 350 tons of grains or more. The transportation across the Mediterranean presented several challenges in that the grains had to be kept off moisture to prevent sprouting and infestations by pests. Wet grains could also sink the ship, something that was inevitable because the ships were entirely sailed by sails making them vulnerable to storms. In a nutshell, the voyages from Egypt and the other sources were significantly dangerous.

On arrival to Rome, the distribution of the grains was mainly done in the free markets. Prices were extremely hiked, and traders could count on making profits. Some grains were, however, sold at the market rate. The individuals who received the grains took them to the many small mills in the city to have it grounded into flour. The flour was then either baked at home, communal ovens, or in the numerous bakeries in the city districts.

The hiking of grains prices led to serious political consequences. The poorer in society were forced to survive on one dole of grains per month. Also, the grains were often sold to people who didn’t qualify, which greatly agitated the populace. In response, the populace conducted demonstrations and riots, which impacted the stability of the Roman government. The prices of grains became even further unaffordable when the Roman province of Sicily revolted repeatedly. Later, Roman Emperors would, however, dedicate their leadership to lowering the grain prices to feed the populace. Lowering the grain prices became part of the political platform, and leaders fighting for office used it to win the masses. The political use of the grain supply, together with the gladiator games, gave rise to the saying “Bread and Circuses.” This is as if the Romans only lived on free bread and entertainment!

When considering the universal mind through Stoicism, it is important to understand a practical aspect and the idealized outlook. Having worked in Social Service programs for nearly 30 years I have seen both sides.

In today’s environment with the Coronavirus, unemployment has been extended and distributed due to the Coronavirus. There is the practical side where people need benefits with mass layoffs. But there is a realistic aspect where paying for this may take years after Covid 19 has been dealt with.

To truly reach a universal mind of Stoic principles a genuine effort of cooperation and mutual support. Although based on religious principles Cura Annonae reflected this. But ulterior motives and insincere efforts will only make this concept fall short of what it can truly accomplish for people as a whole.